Homeless 'wall of plants' project

Homeless volunteers are working alongside gardeners from Cornwall's Eden Project to grow a giant "wall" for the Chelsea Flower Show in May.

The 65ft (20m) wide, 7ft (2m) high display, known as The Key, will be made up of 4000 plants, including herbs, vegetables, shrubs and flowers.

It is part of a regeneration project between Eden, the charity Homeless Link and the Homes and Communities Agency.

The homeless people taking part are from the Shekinah Mission in Plymouth.

It is a wall but it is not a barrier - you will be able to pass through it

Paul Stone, garden designer

Howard Jones, from the Eden Project, said: "We are involving many people now living in hostels and prisons in providing the plants and the skills to make this unique garden.

"We are working closely with Homeless Link, who are encouraging hostels around the country to grow plants to order."

The project is part of a government scheme to help homelessness organisations improve facilities and run programmes to help homeless people develop their talents and skills.

Eden is also involved with sowing seeds and planting bulbs in hostel gardens in preparation for the flower show.

Garden designer Paul Stone said: "The theme of the garden will be that investment in people must be seen as a solution and not a cost.

"The wall is a vital focal point... its significance within The Key garden is that it is a wall but it is not a barrier - you will be able to pass through it."